Higher Neutral Detergent Fiber Research Articles

Effects of Sweet and Forge Sorghum Silages Compared to Maize Silage without Additional Grain Supplement on Lactation Performance and Digestibility of Lactating Dairy Cows.

This study investigated the effects of replacing maize silage (MZS) with high-sugar sorghum silage (HSS) or forage sorghum silage (FSS) without additional grain supplement in the diets of dairy cows on nutrient digestibility, milk composition, nitrogen (N) use, and rumen fermentation. Twenty-four Chinese Holstein cows (545 ± 42.8 kg; 21.41 ± 0.62 kg milk yield; 150 ± 5.6 days in milk) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (n = 8 cows/treatment). The cows were fed ad libitum total mixed rations containing (dry matter basis) either 40% MZS (MZS-based diet), 40% HSS (HSS-based diet), or 40% FSS (FSS-based diet). The study lasted for 42 days, with 14 days devoted to adaptation, 21 days to daily feed intake and milk production, and 7 days to the sampling of feed, refusals, feces, urine, and rumen fluid. Milk production was measured twice daily, and digestibility was estimated using the method of acid-insoluble ash. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA in SPSS 22.0 according to a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were used as fixed effects and cows as random effects. The results indicate that MZS and HSS had greater crude protein but less neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and a lower pH than FSS (p ≤ 0.04). High starch contents in MZS and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents in HSS were observed (p < 0.01). While the highest starch intake was observed for the MZS-based diet, the highest WSC intake was noted for the HSS-based diet, and the highest NDF, ADF, ADL intake was observed for the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.05). The diets, including MZS and HSS, had greater digestibility than that of FSS (p ≤ 0.03). Feeding MZS- and HSS-based diets increased the yield, fat, and protein content of the milk, as well as feed conversion efficiency (p ≤ 0.03). However, feeding the MZS- and HSS-based diets decreased the contents of milk urea N, urinary urea N, and urinary N excretion more than the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.05). The N use efficiency tended to increase relative to diets containing MZS and HSS compared with FSS (p = 0.06 and p = 0.09). Ruminal ammonia-N and pH were lower, but total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate were higher in cows fed the HSS- and MZS-based diets compared to those fed the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.03). It appears as though replacing MZS with HSS in the diet of cows without additional grain supplements has no negative influence on feed intake, milk yield, N utilization, or ruminal fermentation.

Comprehensive assessment of turfgrass wear tolerance: A study on mechanical and chemical traits

A key criterion in the selection process for turfgrass breeding is effective wear tolerance, indicating the plant's capacity to endure forces that may impact leaves, stems, crowns, and roots. In this study, the correlation between mechanical and chemical traits and the wear tolerance of 37 cultivars belonging to seven turfgrass species was examined. Mechanical properties and fiber characteristics of wide range of turfgrass cultivars were determined and compared for the first time. The evaluation of turf wear tolerance (described as turf cover index, TCI) was conducted through a three-year field trial using a Brinkman traffic simulator. Tensile tests were conducted to determine biomechanical parameters. According to the TCI, the most wear-resistant cultivars were those of Lolium perenne, Most of these cultivars demonstrated a TCI below 0.1. The cultivar 'Nira' was the most resistant, with a TCI of − 0.285. The least resilient cultivars belonged to Festuca ovina and Festuca rubra, all exhibiting TCI values above 0.6. Agrostis stolonifera and Agrostis capillaris were characterised by lower cellulose and acid detergent fiber content but high hemicellulose content. The opposite result was determined for Festuca rubra and Festuca ovina. The highest hemicellulose ratio was obtained for Poa pratensis. Lolium perenne was characterised by relatively high content of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose. Cultivars of Festuca arundinace distinctly differed from other cultivars, demonstrating higher mechanical resistance with an average force-to-break of 3.73 N. Cultivars of Agrostis stolonifera and Agrostis capillaris reached force-to-break values up to 1.0 N. The relationships between TCI and fiber composition of turfgrass leaves were significant for crude fiber, NDF and hemicellulose content. Thus higher NDF and hemicellulose content resulted in higher force-to-break and work-to-break parameters.

Changes in Feed Quality in Rangeland Sites Grazing by Different Livestock Species

In this study conducted in the Umudum neighborhood of Erzurum province in 2023, three different rangeland sites (cattle, cattle + sheep, and sheep) were examined. The study investigated the existing feed quantity, crude protein, NDF, ADF ratios, and NYD values. It was observed that the rangeland site with sheep grazing had lower feed quantity, crude protein ratio, and NYD value compared to the sites with cattle and cattle + sheep grazing, while it had higher NDF and ADF ratios.

Nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties of Hawaiian taro (Colocasia esculenta) flours: A comparative study.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) flour is a viable carbohydrate alternative and a functional additive for food formulation; however, different taro varieties may possess distinct characteristics that may influence their suitability for food production. This study evaluated the nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties of flours from five Hawaiian taro varieties: Bun-Long, Mana Ulu, Moi, Kaua'i Lehua, and Tahitian. Tahitian, Bun-long, and Moi had high total starch contents of 40.8, 38.9, and 34.1g/100g, respectively. Additionally, Moi had the highest neutral detergent fiber (25.5g/100g), lignin (1.39g/100g), and cellulose (5.31g/100g). In terms of physicochemical properties, Tahitian showed the highest water solubility index (33.3g/100g), while Tahitian and Moi exhibited the two highest water absorption indices (5.81g/g and 5.68g/g, respectively). Regarding functional properties, Tahitian had the highest water absorption capacity (3.48g/g), and Tahitian and Moi had the two highest oil absorption capacities (3.15g/g and 2.68g/g, respectively). Therefore, the flours from these Hawaiian taro varieties possess promising characteristics that could enhance food quality when used as alternative additives in food processing.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Nutritive Evaluation of Pomegranate and Artichoke Fractions as Ruminant Feed

The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation of samples (n = 3) of pomegranate (peels (PPs) and seeds (PSs)) and artichoke (hearts (AHs) and stems (ASs)) wastes. Dried orange pulp (DOP) and tomato pomace (TP) were used as reference feeds. All wastes had low dry matter (DM; lower than 33.0 and 12.0% for pomegranate and artichoke, respectively). The DM of pomegranate fractions was rich in sugars (&gt;42.0%) and contained low protein (&lt;8.0%) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; &lt;27.0%), whereas that of both artichoke fractions had high protein (&gt;18.0%) and NDF (&gt;36.0%) and low sugars content (&lt;9.2%). Pomegranate seeds were more rapidly and extensively fermented in vitro than PPs, but both were less degradable and contained less metabolizable energy (ME) than DOP (7.43, 11.0 and 12.5 MJ ME/kg DM, respectively). Although AHs were more rapidly fermented and produced more volatile fatty acids (VFAs) than ASs, both had lower ME content than TP (9.50, 7.25 and 12.5 MJ ME/kg DM). The analyzed wastes had lower ME content than other by-products, but they were extensively fermented by ruminal microorganisms and could be used as ruminant feeds.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, and utilization in goats fed graded levels of hempseed cake finisher diets

Globally, the price of soybean meal, the most common proteinaceous ingredient in livestock diets, has become highly expensive prompting a search for alternative ingredients. Hemp seed cake is a promising alternative but could be limited by its high neutral detergent fiber and ether extract contents which impede nutrient intake and digestibility. However, some ruminant species such as goats have superior ability to digest high fiber and ether extract diets. Thus, the current research evaluated nutrient intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis of goats fed hempseed cake as a substitute for soybean meal in finisher diets. A total of 25 Kalahari Red castrates (27 ± 3 kg, 4–5 months old) were assigned to five dietary treatments (5 goats/ diet) in a completely randomized design. A maize-lucerne-based finishing diet was formulated with hempseed cake substituting soybean meal as the primary protein ingredient at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g/kg dry matter. Ether extract intake exhibited a positive linear trend (P ≤ 0.05) while crude protein intake and microbial nitrogen supply exhibited a negative linear trend (P ≤ 0.05) with dietary inclusion of hempseed cake. However, feeding hempseed cake did not influence (P > 0.05) apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters and nitrogen use efficiency. In conclusion, the substitution of soybean meal for hempseed cake decreased crude protein intake and microbial nitrogen supply in goat finisher diets without compromising nutrient digestibility and nitrogen use efficiency. The study recommends partial or full replacement of soybean meal with hempseed cake in goat finisher diets.

Toward smallholder bamboo-integrated agro-silvopastoral systems in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing the impact of bamboo leaves on consumption pattern, growth performance and manure characteristics of West African dwarf goats

IntroductionThe selection of appropriate plant species, particularly those tailored to supplement ruminants raised under agrosilvopastoral systems, remains a persistent challenge.ObjectiveIn a 30-day study, the feed intake, growth performance, and manure characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed bamboo leaf supplement were evaluated. Materials and methodsA total of 30 animals with an average weight of 9.9 ± 0.21 kg were divided into a control group, and four bamboo-supplemented groups, following a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design. Each group had six animal replicates and received the following dietary treatments: T1 (control) – 400g of basal diet composed of 60% Megathyrsus maximus and 40% Bridelia ferruginea leaves per day; T2—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 400 g of Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro leaves per day; T3—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 400 g of Bambusa balcooa (Beema) leaves per day; T4—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 600 g of O. abyssinica (A. Rich.) leaves per day; and T5—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 600 g of B. balcooa leaves per day. The data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures in Minitab Statistical Software at a 5% significance level. ResultsThe results showed varied (p &amp;lt; 0.05) dry matter compositions spanning from 894.3 to 910 g/kg with the highest contents of crude protein (194 g/kg), nitrogen (31 g/kg), crude fibre (302 g/kg), ash (156 g/kg), acid detergent fibre (429 g/kg), and acid detergent lignin (3.6 g/kg) recorded for B. ferruginea. The leaves of Bambusa balcooa contained the highest neutral detergent fibre (481 g/kg) while M. maximus had the highest organic matter content (911 g/kg). Significant interaction effect (p &amp;lt; 0.05) was observed between the supplement type and the supplementation level, impacting various parameters including feed intake ranging from 398 g (T1) to 469 g (T3) per day, weight gain from 27 g (T1) to 72 g (T2) per day, feed conversion efficiency from 6% (T1) to 15% (T2), manure output from 241 g (T2) to 260 g (T5) per day, carbon- nitrogen (C: N) ratio from 9 (T2) to 20 (T5), faecal acidity levels from 4 (T1) to 5 (T4). Comparatively, higher daily dry matter intake was recorded for the animal groups fed the B. balcooa supplement than their counterparts fed the O. abyssinica supplement. However, the O. abyssinica supplemented groups were more efficient in converting feed to body weight, with feed conversion efficiency approximately 9% higher than the B. balcooa-supplemented groups. Furthermore, in general, the animal groups that received a daily supplement of 400 g gave higher feed efficiency, with performance approximately 3.2% higher compared to the groups receiving 600 g. Likewise, these groups displayed higher faecal N output while concurrently achieving a reduced C: N ratio, indicative of enhanced nutrient utilization and potential environmental benefits. ConclusionTo conclude, integrating 400 grams of bamboo leaves into animal diet can enhance basal diet consumption, accelerate animal growth, and yield manure akin to chemical fertilizers, making it a valuable strategy for bamboo-integrated agro-silvopastoral systems practitioners.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) Digestibility of Vegetative Tissues in Corn for Silage

Dairy farming requires forages with high neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to maximize milk production, sustain cows’ health, and ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the dairy farm. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the brown midrib (BMR) genotype, agronomic environment, and maturity at harvest on the NDF digestibility (NDFD) and the composition of the cell wall of corn plant tissues. In this plot study, one conventional and one BMR corn hybrid were planted and subjected to an abundant (60,000 seeds/ha and 225 kg N/ha) and a limited (90,000 seeds/ha and 180 kg N/ha) environment. The ruminal NDFD was determined in vitro in leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and stem internodes. Cell walls from BMR corn had greater NDFD than cell walls from conventional corn on most tissues. Relative to the abundant environment, the limited environment had minimal effects on NDFD. As maturity advanced, NDFD decreased for various but not all tissues. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, intrinsic characteristics of corn, such as genotype and maturity at harvest, had a greater effect on NDFD than environment or agronomic management.

Effect of NDF levels of complete pelleted diet and dietary transition period on rumen pH, growth performance, digestibility, and blood indices in fattening male goats

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low and high NDF levels in complete pelleted diets (CPD) on early diet transition in fattening male goats. Forty male goats were blocked by their initial body weights (BW), and within each block, animals were randomly assigned to one of the four diets using a randomized complete block design. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial comprising of two levels of NDF (20.2% and 32%) and two diet transition strategies (day 7 and 15). All the diets were iso-nitrogenous, having a 15:85 forage-to-concentrate ratio. In the high NDF diet, a higher level of 32% was achieved by replacing corn grain with soy hulls and wheat bran. The goats were housed individually and had ad libitum access to feed and water. During the transition phase, conventional feeding was replaced by the CPD in three steps, and thereafter, all animals had free choice access to their respective diets. Body weight and blood samples were conducted weekly, while rumen samples were collected on day 0, 7 and 15, and then fortnightly. Feeding behavior data was recorded on day 7 during the transition period using video cameras. Nutrient digestibility was performed twice, with n = 4 animals/treatment: 1) after 15 days and 2) at the end of the study. The results revealed that goats fed on a high NDF diet had higher (P < 0.05) DMI and ADG than those fed on a low NDF diet during the transition. Additionally, there was an interaction between NDF and transition days after the transition period and the entire study period. The feed-to-gain ratio was lower (P = 0.05) in goats fed on the LNDF-15 compared with the LNDF-7. The rumen pH of low NDF-7 goats was lower (P < 0.05) throughout the study compared with other treatments. Moreover, the odds for diarrhea were higher (P = 0.03) in the low NDF-7 goats compared to other treatments during and after the diet transition. Male goats fed on a high NDF diet had higher (P < 0.05) nutrient digestibility after transition, but no effect thereafter. Animals fed on a high NDF diet had higher (P < 0.05) DMI, NDF intake, laying, standing time, and rumination time during the diet transition period. Feeding behavior was not recorded after the dietary transition period. In conclusion, feeding HNDF-7 to goats during the diet transition period resulted in improved growth performance, key feeding behavior parameters, and nutrient digestibility. Whereas, during the post-diet transition period, both LNDF-15 and HNDF-7 goats displayed comparable growth performance without any adverse effects on animal health.

Doğu Akdeniz koşullarında ikinci ürün olarak yetiştirilen bazı hibrit mısır genotiplerinde tane ve yem verimi ile yem kalite özelliklerinin değerlendirilmesi

This research was conducted in order to guide farmers and researchers by determining grain, forage yield and yield-related traits and forage quality of different parts of the whole plant in some maize cultivars in Eastern Mediterranean ecological conditions. In this study, it was assessed grain and forage yield and fodder quality of four maize cultivars (PR91G98, SY Castaneda, SY Gladius, and SY Tuscani) cultivated under the Estern Mediterranean conditions. To determine forage quality, ear, stem and leaves of the whole plant maize were analyzed separately. To evaluate grain and forage yield, parameters like plant height, stem diameter, hay yield, dry matter yield, green leaf yield, green stem yield, ear weight, green ear yield were investigated while features such as crude protein, crude ash, organic matter, NDF, ADF, digestibility of dry matter, dry matter intake and relative feed value were examined to determine forage quality. The new maize cultivars have been updated continually; it is important to clarify the responses of new varieties to agronomic practices and forage yield, quality, grain yield, and related traits. The results of this study revealed that ear is very important for forage yield and quality. The greatest hay and grain yield were produced by PR31G98 maize cultivar. It was observed SY Tuscani had higher NDF and ADF values than other maize varieties. With this study, the importance of nutrient content according to silage yield and plant parts in second crop corn cultivation was determined. In addition, research results showed important source data for farmers and researchers regarding forage and grain yield of maize farming and production area is continually increasing.

Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Gas Production Kinetics of Alternative Feed Resources for Small Ruminants in the Maltese Islands.

The ever-increasing human population, the problem associated with climate change and recent crises-COVID-19 disease and trade conflicts-all impacted on the availability and cost of animal feed raw materials. This is clearly visible in realities which heavily rely on importation such as islands and small states, where producers involved in the agricultural sector were strongly affected by the sharp increase in prices. To deal with these global issues, alternative resources are perceived to replace conventional ingredients. This work aimed at assessing the nutritive value of different resources (sheep feed, mature carob, Maltese bread, wild asparagus, prickly lettuce, and loquat) for small ruminants present in the Maltese Islands, analyzing their chemical composition, gas production kinetics and antioxidant properties. In general, the variation in chemical composition resulted in different rumen fermentation kinetics (p < 0.007). The ratio between GP-24 h and GP-48 h was higher in Maltese bread than other substrates; loquat, prickly lettuce and wild asparagus showed lower fermentation kinetics in accordance with their high NDF and ADF contents. The antioxidant activity may be partially related to the polyphenolic content that was higher in wild asparagus, prickly lettuce and loquat. All feed characteristic confirmed their potential to be included as ingredients in ruminant diets and as a source of fiber.

Rumination Assessment: A Managemental Tool for Dairy Cattle

Rumination is the process of regurgitation, re-mastication, salivation and swallowing of ingesta. Cows ruminate for approximately 504±93 min/day and a decrease in rumination time is typically important sign that something is affecting ruminal function and cow well-being. Rumination activity mainly occurs at night and during resting periods in the afternoon. Rumination can be detected by the several methods viz. visual observation, video recording, nose band pressure signal, accelerometer ear-tags and neck collar. The time that an animal spends ruminating is influenced by species, breed, physical &amp; chemical characteristics of the diet, health condition, feed intake and production level. More roughage diet with long fibre increases the rumination time. Diets containing higher neutral detergent fibre (%) resulted in increase in rumination time per kilogram of roughage ingested. Rumination time decrease with increasing temperature humidity index. Rumination time significantly influence the milk yield and milk composition and reproduction performance. Rumination time could be used to monitor dairy cattle during calving, oestrous, and heat stress, as well as to detect diseases, heat stress, transition cow disorders and subclinical ketosis in dairy cows.

Comparative Evaluation of Extruded Complete Feeds based on Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) Straw, Areca (Areca catechu) Sheath and Maize (Zea mays) Cob in Mandya Lambs

Background: Although crop residues rich in lignocellulose are a potential source of energy, their utilization is limited due to lack of lignolytic activity of the rumen microbial population. Feed processing by heat treatment is known to break the ligno-cellulolse complexes, in which extrusion has been reported as one of the best processing techniques to improve the nutritional value and efficient utilization of complete diets. A comparative evaluation of extruded complete feed based on finger millet straw, a conventional crop residue, along with areca sheath and maize cob has been taken up in this study. Methods: The extruded complete feed was prepared using roughage and concentrate at proportion of 40:60, respectively. Twenty four Mandya lambs of about 3 to 4 months of age with body weight ranging from 7.8 to 12.9 kg were divided into three groups of eight each in a completely randomized design. Feeding trial was carried out for 12 weeks. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups viz., T1 (Finger millet straw based extruded complete feed), T2 (Areca sheath based extruded complete feed) and T3 (Maize cob based extruded complete feed). Digestion trial was conducted using 5 animals in each group during the last week of the growth trial. Result: Analysis of chemical composition (%) revealed that, maize cob and areca sheath were comparable with finger millet straw except that the maize cob contained lower total ash (2.52 v/s 8.61) and higher NDF and hemicellulose content (86.66 v/s71.61; 29.79 v/s17.18). Rumen in vitro net gas (ml / 200 mg DM / 24 h) production and energy density (ME MJ / kg DM) was higher in areca sheath and maize cob as compared to finger millet straw. There was significant difference in total DMI (g/d and g/kgW0.75) among the treatment groups (P£0.05). There was also a significant difference in OM, CP, EE and ADF intake (P£0.05). The ADG (g) and FCR (g DMI/ g BW gain) for T1, T2 and T3 groups were statistically non-significant. The mean apparent digestibility (%) of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF was significantly different among the treatment groups(P£0.01). The per cent Digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMDM) (T1:70.89,T2:76.13and T3:63.33) was also significantly different among the treatments (P£0.01). It was concluded that the growth rate of lambs fed finger millet straw, areca sheath and maize cob based extruded complete feeds was comparable and could be utilized to sustain production performance of growing Mandya lambs.

Nutritional Content Analysis of Crop Residues in Three Agroecologies in East Gojjam Zone.

Livestock is important and plentiful in Ethiopia, but its potential is not being used to its full extent due to limited supply and inconsistent feed supply. This has a negative impact on livestock productivity in the tropics, where crop residues are used as livestock feed. The analysis of the nutritional content of feed and the measurement of feed production are crucial for maintaining the optimal balance of annual livestock feed and improving livestock production. However, no research has been conducted on the nutritional composition of the crop residues in the East Gojjam zone. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the nutritional content of crop residues in the three agroecologies in Ethiopia's East Gojjam zone. Ash, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were analyzed in the feed samples. According to the findings, the overall mean content of DM, ash, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and ADL was 92.3, 5.2, 87.1, 4.1, 71, 56.6, and 9.6%, respectively. The faba bean has the highest CP (6.2%), followed by barley straws (5.5%), vetch haulms (5.5%), Eragrostis tef (3.7%), wheat straws (3.2%), and maize stover (2.9%). In general, all crop residues contain CP content below the critical CP level required even for livestock maintenance. The highest NDF was found in barley straw (75.1%), which was followed by wheat straw (72.0%), Eragrostis tef straw (70.2%), vetch haulms (69.3%), maize stover (67.4%), and faba bean haulms (67.2%). All types of crop residues were classified as low-quality feed because they contained more than 65% NDF, which could affect feed intake and livestock production. Therefore, crop residues must be improved using mechanical, biological, and chemical methods in order to increase livestock production in the study areas by increasing feed consumption.

Effect of kraft pulp inclusion in calf starter on performance, health, and plasma concentration of glucagon-like peptide 2 in calves

Kraft pulp (KP), an intermediate product obtained when wood chips are converted to paper, contains highly digestible fiber. This study evaluated the effect of KP inclusion in calf starters on growth performance, health, and plasma glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) concentration in calves. Twenty-five Holstein heifer calves were raised on a high plane of nutrition program using milk replacer containing 29% crude protein and 18% fat until 49 d after birth, and were fed calf starters containing KP at 0 (CON; n = 14) or 12% (KPS; n = 11) on a dry matter basis. All calves were fed the treatment calf starters and timothy hay ad libitum. Blood was collected at 4, 14, 21, 35, 49, 70, and 91 d after birth. Dry matter intake (DMI) of milk replacer and hay was not affected by treatment, whereas calf starter DMI was lower for KPS (0.93 kg/d) than for CON (1.03 kg/d). Higher neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content in KPS (31.7%) than in the CON starter (22.1%) resulted in higher NDF intake for KPS (0.55 kg/d) than for CON (0.47 kg/d). However, the consumption of starch was lower for KPS (0.29 kg/d) than for CON (0.33 kg/d). Despite the lower starter intake for KPS, body weight and average daily gain did not differ between treatments. No significant difference was observed in the plasma concentrations of metabolites, except for β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB); BHB concentration was lower for KPS (216 μmol/L) than for CON (257 μmol/L). The area under the curve for plasma GLP-2 concentration was higher for KPS (54.1 ng/mL × d) than for CON (36.0 ng/mL × d). Additionally, the fecal score postweaning (1.19 and 1.48 for KPS and CON, respectively) and the number of days that calves developed diarrhea throughout the experimental period (2.50 d and 8.10 d for KPS and CON, respectively) were lower for KPS than for CON. These results indicate that feeding KP reduces the severity and frequency of diarrhea without adversely affecting growth performance. This could be attributed to the increased plasma GLP-2 concentration induced by higher NDF intake.

Beef Steers and Enteric Methane: Reducing Emissions by Managing Forage Diet Fiber Content.

Understanding the methane (CH4) emissions that are produced by enteric fermentation is one of the main problems to be solved for livestock, due to their GHG effects. These emissions are affected by the quantity and quality of their diets, thus, it is key to accurately define the intake and fiber content (NDF) of these forage diets. On the other hand, different emission prediction equations have been developed; however, there are scarce and uncertain results regarding their evaluation of the emissions that have been observed in forage diets. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of the NDF content of a forage diet on CH4 enteric emissions, and to evaluate the ability of models to predict the emissions from the animals that are consuming these forage diets. In total, thirty-six Angus steers (x¯ = 437 kg live weight) aged 18 months, blocked by live weight and placed in three automated feeding pens, were used to measure the enteric CH4. The animals were randomly assigned to two forage diets (n = 18), with moderate (<50%, MF) and high (>50%, HF) NDF contents. Their dry matter intake was recorded individually, and the CH4 emissions were measured using the SF6 tracer gas technique. For the model evaluation, six prediction equations were compared with 29 studies (n = 97 observations), analyzing the accuracy and precision of their estimates. The emission intensities per unit of DMI, per ADG, and per gross energy intake were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the animals consuming the MF diet than in the animals consuming the HF diet (21.7 vs. 23.7 g CH4/kg DMI, 342 vs. 660 g CH4/kg ADG, and 6.7% vs. 7.5%, respectively), but there were no differences in the absolute emissions (p > 0.05). The best performing model was the IPCC 2006 model (r2 = 0.7, RMSE = 74.04). These results show that reducing the NDF content of a forage diet by at least 10% (52 g/kg DM) reduces the intensity of the g CH4/kg DMI by up to 8%, and that of the g CH4/kg ADG by almost half. The use of the IPCC 2006 model is suitable for estimating the CH4 emissions from animals consuming forage-based diets.

The Influence of Fertilization and Plant Density on the Dry Matter Yield and Quality of Black Mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch]: An Alternative Forage Crop.

Black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] is mainly cultivated as a seed crop, and there is a lack of information on biomass quality and its potential for animal feeding. A 2-year field experiment was set up in a split-plot design with 2 main plots (plant densities: 46 and 76 plants m−2), 4 sub-plots (fertilization levels: control, compost, urea with and without urease and nitrification inhibitors) and 3 replications for each treatment. The highest dry matter yield (17.55–18.34 tn ha−1) was observed in high-density plots fertilized with urea fertilizer coated with double (nitrification and urease) inhibitors. In terms of the qualitive parameters of total above-ground biomass, the highest crude protein (CP) content was achieved in plots with low density and urea with double inhibitors. Moreover, the highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of above-ground biomass were found under compost and urea with double inhibitors. The high ADF, NDF and relatively high CP content characterized that black mustard aerial biomass can meet the requirements of lactating animals, and therefore the production of black mustard biomass as a forage crop could be of great importance. As a conclusion, black mustard cultivated at plant densities higher than 46 plants m−2 and under inorganic fertilization, especially with urea coated with double inhibitors, could be successfully used as a novel forage crop in ruminants’ diets.

Effect of fibre fractions of Ailanthus excelsa roxb. on in-vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD) and Metabolisable energy

Forages usually constitute the major portion of the ruminant feeds in our country. Availability of feed containing imbalanced chemical composition and metabolisable energy is major handicap in ruminant production the world over. The present study aimed to evaluate the fibre fractions of Ailanthus excels Roxb. fast growing multipurpose indigenous tree species used as cattle fodder as the leaves are rated as highly palatable and nourishing with high percentage of crude protein. The fiber fractions i.e. Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) values were measured for Ailanthus excels Roxb. leaves and observed that AD Fvaried from 0.91% to 74 %and the average was recorded as 48.93 ± 8.36 %, NDF ranged from 28.49 % to 94.77 % with an average of 5.6± 0.97 % and recorded the minimum of 0.2% to the maximum of 17.5 % of ADL value. Low or high NDF value indicate the dry matter digestibility and dry matter intake that will result in a decrease or increase in livestock consumption. Hemicellulose and cellulose, the slowly digestible fibre materials present in the cell wall ranged from 1.72 to 82.5 % and 0.45 to 96.72 % respectively. The digestibility of the A.excelsa leaves was tested for 24 hrs and 48 hrs were observed that almost all accessions showed digestibility greater than 50%.Metabolizable energy (ME) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) are the other two energy requirement of cattle other than IVDMD and ME observed to be more than 8.23(MJ/Kg DM) for all the accessions and TDN value more than 40 %. Though fodder is nutrient treasure, the IVDMD decides the nutrient intake by the cattle. With the desirable fibre fraction and promising IVDMD and metabolizable energy values of A. excel accessions can be an alternate tree fodder for cattle during lean period.

Relationship between Chemical Composition and In Vitro Methane Production of High Andean Grasses.

Simple SummaryHigh Andean grasses have phenological cycles that are influenced by the season of the year (rainy and dry), which could affect their nutritional chemical composition and methane production. Based on this, the in vitro digestibility technique was used to measure this effect. The results of this study show that there is an effect of the chemical composition on methane production and that it changes depending on the season of the year.The present study aims to establish the relationship between chemical composition and in vitro methane (CH4) production of high Andean grasses. For this purpose, eight species were collected in dry and rainy seasons: Alchemilla pinnata, Distichia muscoides, Carex ecuadorica, Hipochoeris taraxacoides, Mulhenbergia fastigiata, Mulhenbergia peruviana, Stipa brachiphylla and Stipa mucronata. They were chemically analyzed and incubated under an in vitro system. Species such as A. pinnata and H. taraxacoides were characterized by high crude protein (CP. 124 g/kg DM) and low neutral detergent fiber (NDF. 293 g/kg DM) contents in both seasons, contrary to Stipa grasses. This same pattern was obtained for H. taraxacoides, which presented the highest values of gas production, organic matter digestibility (DOM), metabolizable energy (ME) and CH4 production (241 mL/g DM, 59% DOM, 8.4 MJ ME/kg DM and 37.7 mL CH4/g DM, on average). For most species, the content of CP, acid detergent fiber (FDA) and ME was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season, which was the opposite for CH4 production (p ≥ 0.05). In general, the nutritional content that most explained the behavior of CH4 production was the NDF content (R2 = 0.69). Grasses characterized by high NDF content produced less CH4 (R = −0.85).

Possibility of Using By-Products with High NDF Content to Alter the Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acid Profiles, Bacterial Community, and Digestibility of Lactating Dairy Cows.

This study aimed to investigate whether agricultural by-products with a high NDF content and small-particle-size substitute for forage could cause hindgut acidosis and dysbacteriosis in lactating dairy cows. We investigated the impact of soybean hull and beet pulp on the fecal fermentation, bacterial community, and digestibility of cows. Sixteen lactating Holstein cows were treated as follows (% of dry matter (DM)): amount of by-product added was 0 (control, CON), 1.67% (low by-products, LB), 3.33% (medium by-products, MB), and 5% (high by-products, HB). The results showed the fecal pH of cows to be 7.23–7.29, implying no hindgut acidosis. With increased inclusion of by-products in the diets, the proportion of fecal propionate; relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes, the family Lachnospiraceae, and genera unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Acetitomaculum, and Prevotella; and the DM and NDF digestibility of cows all increased linearly. Meanwhile, the fecal genera Turicibacter and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 decreased linearly. By-products promoted the abundance of fecal bacteria genes related to energy metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and propanoate metabolism; and correlations between fecal short chain fatty acids, digestibility, and the bacteria genera were seen. Overall, our study suggested that adding 5% by-products could be a viable dietary formulation strategy that promotes digestibility and makes positive changes in hindgut fermentation and bacteria.